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Nearly 450 patients have died from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, which is the lowest increase of daily registered deaths the UK has seen in two weeks.

More than 16,500 people have now died from coronavirus across the country.

The latest figures from the Department of Health and Social care today, (Monday, April 20), have confirmed a further 449 deaths in the last 24-hour period.

It brings the national death toll to 16,509 and means there has been a decrease in the trend of the number of daily fatalities for the second day in a row.

NHS Thanks a Million

It is something that has, at some point, touched all our lives.

From cradle to grave, the National Health Service, and the incredible professionals within it who care for us, is a part of British life.

Today, more than ever, we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care, heedless of own health as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

We have never needed our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other carers more.

So let’s show them some love, and create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain - visit www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk to drop a heart on the map wherever you are in the world.

By dropping a heart on the map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS.

Thanks a million, NHS workers - we love you.

Of the 501,379 tests carried out across the UK, 124,743 people have now tested positive for the virus.

It comes as the UK prepares to enter its fifth week of lockdown after the government decided to extend it's original period by another three weeks.

It means people are only able able to leave their homes for essential journeys including shopping, caring for the vulnerable, exercising locally once a day or travelling to and from work for those who can't work from home.

The earliest the lockdown can be lifted is May 7, 2020.

The government has not yet confirmed when non-essential shops and businesses will be able to re-open.

Michael Gove told the Andrew Marr show on Sunday, (April 19), that pubs and restaurants are likely to be the last to re-open following the lockdown period as the government tries to reach a "balanced judgement" on when to lift restrictions.

We'll be updating our website every day to cover the good and positive stories from communities across Essex right now. Please remember to visit thanksamillionnhs.co.uk to show the amazing NHS how much we all appreciate their hard work.